This 10-minute trick will ease the pain of a long drive

With the summer holidays officially here, plenty of us will have long drives ahead of us, as we pack up the car and head off for weekend breaks or longer staycations...

But if you're the designated driver and often find yourself feeling still and uncomfortable after a long stint behind the wheel, then listen up because scientists may have found a definitive solution to help ease your pain...

It turns out that a 'comfort break' really will help. But only if you avoid sitting down to snack and instead take a 10-minute walk around, the Mail Online reports.

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In a new study, due to be published in the journal Applied Ergonomics later this year, a team from the Nottingham Trent University, Imperial College and Loughborough University found that drivers who took a 10-minute stroll on a treadmill halfway through a two-hour driving simulation experienced less pain than those who remained seated the whole way through.

Study author Professor Neil Mansfield said: 'Drivers should plan breaks at regular intervals in order to reduce discomfort during and at the end of their journey.'

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'When drivers stop at service stations they undertake a range of different activities. Some stay in their seats and take the opportunity to use their phones or devices, while others may choose to walk to a nearby café and sit with a coffee for a few minutes.

'We have shown that getting out of the vehicle and taking a walk is the most effective method for relieving driver discomfort. Maybe drivers should rethink where they choose to park at service stations, as a longer walk across the car park is beneficial.'

So, now you know what to do avoid dreaded back pain on your next road trip...

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